SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement following Governor Rauner’s announcement that Illinois’ negotiations with AFSCME have reached an impasse:
“I’m extremely disappointed the governor has walked away from an opportunity to move Illinois forward by declaring an impasse in negotiations with AFSCME. This is an extreme example of the governor abandoning his promises to work in good faith. Instead, he is now attempting to destroy the public unions that protect good jobs and reasonable conditions for hardworking Illinois families.
“The pain from Rauner’s extreme agenda has already been felt across the state due to his refusal to negotiate a budget, and now he’s brazenly attempting to force a strike and disrupt help for the thousands of Illinois families that need services. State workers want to avoid a strike, and are eager to find an agreement that will keep them on the job and eliminate unnecessary pain in Illinois.
“Public servants deserve a fair contract that allows them to support a family and stay safe on the job. I urge the governor to return to the bargaining table and begin working in good faith to agree to a contract that is fair to public servants and the taxpayers that pay them.”
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